New Zealand cricketer Martin Crowe passes away in Auckland after battle with cancer

Auckland : On Thursday legendary New Zealand cricketer Martin Crowe dies at 53 here after fighting a long battle with cancer.

The 53-year-old was diagnosed in September 2014 with terminal Lymphoma. He is survived by wife Lorraine Downes, daughter Emma and step-children Hilton and Jasmine. His funeral will be held on March 11 at the Holy Trinity Cathedral here, stuff.co.nz reported.

The right-handed batsman played 77 tests and 143 One-Day Internationals for New Zealand. He scored 5,444 runs in Tests at an average of 45.36, including 17 centuries and 18 half-centuries with a top score of 299.

Crowe’s ODI runs totalled 4,704 at an average of 38.55 with four centuries and 34 half-centuries and a best score of 107 not out.